After this module, learners will be able to
1. Speak to students and teachers alike at school assemblies.
2. Have a clear message to a large audience.
3. Think about core themes when public speaking.
4. Engage call and response.
5. Focus on motivating the audience.
Public speaking can be difficult, especially in a non-native language. Gaining confidence with speaking English comfortably is important before trying to speak to an audience of more than one person. There is only so much that a rehearsed script can help you with when speaking publicly.
The key to speaking at a school assembly is knowing what the core ideas you are trying to communicate are. Pinpoint a few themes that are important for the school body to know, for example: How is your class doing? What are the successes that your students have had? How do you want to motivate your students?
Ex 1: Good morning! How is everyone doing? *Wait for response*
Think about the best way to communicate your message to your audience. Express the energy that you want to receive by talking firmly and keep an upbeat demeanor.
Ex 2: That was a beautiful performance! Thank you (Student Name). Let's all give them a round of applause.
Practice: Find a partner. Take turns repeating exercises 1 and 2 out loud by substituting your personal information in for the underlined parts.
Act out this situation with a partner.
Teacher (a) is giving a Public Service Announcement (PSA) about campus cleanliness to the entire student body. The students (b) respond and cheer at different points in the speech.
a: Good afternoon, everyone! Happy Friday! Is everyone excited for the weekend?
b: Yes!
a: Great job to all of you for getting through your exam period, let's have a round of applause for that!
b: *Applause*
a: I'm here today to talk to you about a small problem we have been noticing on school grounds as of late. Does anyone know what it is?
*One child raises their hand*
a: Yes?
b: Is it because of the trash in front of the school gate?
a: That is a part of it. Lately, there has been a lot of trash on campus. We have also noticed many students littering by throwing their trash on the ground instead of in a bin. Is this a good thing?
b: No!
a: Right, in fact, it may set a bad example to the younger children as well. So please be wary from now on. We have garbage bins and recycling bins in almost every room at school, so please throw your waste in there from now on, ok?
b: Ok!
a: Thank you all for listening. Congratulations again for being done with your exams!
b: *Cheering*
How did the teacher motivate and praise the students at the beginning of the speech?
What was the teacher's main message to the students?
Did the teacher introduce any information that would help the students obey the message?
How did the teacher utilize call and response techniques?
Do you think the speech would have been as effective if the teacher did not emphasize student involvement?
What is NOT something you should do while speaking in public?
A. Look directly at the audience and make eye contact with different members of the audience.
B. Speak loudly and clearly.
C. Read from your script in a monotone voice.
D. Prepare beforehand by practicing what you will say.
Correct answer: C. Even if you have to rely on a script or paper when speaking, don't just read from it. Mean what you say and put emotion into your voice.
After this module, students should understand basic ways to communicate during school assemblies. They should understand the core themes of their messages to large audiences and practice using call and response tactics to engage the audience.